Vengence is Deadly

As we look around the world and observe all the tribal wars in Africa, the wars between similar religious groups in the Middle East and Northern Ireland and family violence in every part of the globe it becomes apparent that learning to forgive is crucial to peace. Almost every one of these disagreements turned into a destructive encounter because people could not release another person from something his ancestors did.

One of the most striking differences between the Old and New Covenants is the emphasis on forgiveness. Although forgiveness was an important concept in the O.T. with the arrival of Jesus as a great teacher and The Great Physician the concept and reality of forgiving wrongs takes on a much larger role in gaining an abundant life. After all, it is the focus of His death on the cross. No longer is forgiveness bought with the blood of bulls and goats but with the blood of Jesus.

As a therapist I see many couples and families whose dysfunctions arise largely from a heart of bitterness. The Bible wisely draws our attention to the fact that bitterness is more than a feeling. It is a root that, if not dug out by grace, will pollute many people and many generations. We can observe how that happens in the current situation between the Shias and the Sunni Muslims. Death, destruction and evil are being perpetrated by both sides because of religious differences and slights that began hundreds of years ago but remain unforgiven.

Islam has no place for forgiveness as far as I can see. It is a religion of works and justice. Christ was different. he set forth a little band of followers whose lives had been radically changed through being forgiven. Additionally, Jesus left them and us with a prayer centered on forgiveness that is both personal and interpersonal.

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Unforgiving attitudes lead to bitterness and bitterness leads to personal attacks and personal attacks lead to murder and murder leads to generations of polluted family life. Forgiveness leads to health, peace and prosperity.